India, with a population of over one billion people is the biggest democracy of the world. India, a union of states and union territories, is secular democratic republic with a parliamentary form of government. The republic functions under the terms of the Constitution of India adopted on 26th November, 1949. It came into force on 26th January 1950.
The elections to the parliament and state legislatures are held regularly on the adult franchise basis. Thus, in this form ultimate power is in the hands of the people who choose their representatives through ballot box when elections are held. Technically it is ruled by the people, of the people and by the people.
The first general election was held in 1952. Since, then Indian democratic system has flourished to the astonishment of the world. No one believed that a nation of largely poor, orthodox and illiterate people could sustain democracy. But sixty years down the road, democratic process is going strong and has been firmly established. The credit for laying deep foundation of democratic traditions goes to Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Bheemrao Ambedkar, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Rajagopalachari, Sardar Patel, Malviya etc. The governments have changed, come and gone reflecting the mood of the voters and proving the success of the system. The democracy is the force that has kept so many linguistic, cultural, racial, regional and religious groups, sections, sects and sub-nationalities of India together.
India is a multiparty democracy. There are a number of national and regional parties, like INC, BJP, BSP, Samajwadi Paty, Janata Dals, CPM, CPI, Telugu Desam, DMK, AIADMK, Shiv Sena, Akali Dal, National Conference etc. All these parties have tasted electoral victories and defeats, gained power and lost. The defeated wait for a next election battle and better luck.
This has resulted in political parties becoming more conscious of their responsibility and accountability to the people. Even onion prices can decide the fate of a government. The election Commission, a constitutional authority is responsible for conducting the elections. It is headed by the Chief Election Commissioner, whose independence is preserved and protected by a special constitutional provision. He can not be removed from his office, except in like manner, and like grounds, as a judge of the Supreme Court. The commission enjoys many special powers to make the elections free and fair.
The political parties are the very foundation of Indian democracy. The opposition parties keep a check on the government through criticism to ensure that it does not degenerate into dictatorship. The opposition parties are supposed to criticize the government policies in a democratic and constructive way upholding the spirit of national unity, secularism, integration, liberty and rights of the people. The opposition also helps in formation of the public opinion.
The corner stones of Indian democracy are liberty equality, justice and fraternity. The freedom of speech, expression of faith, profession and association and right to property are guaranteed as fundamental rights. An independent, strong and active judiciary sees to it that these rights are not violated.
But we must all remain vigilant. The democratic system faces dangers. The politics has became synonym for corruption. There is nexus between criminals and politicians. The criminals have invaded the political parties and they vitiate the electoral process. Then, there is threat of communalism, casteism, terrorism, separatism, money power, muscle power, mob mentality and rigging. Defection also is a malady.
The conduct of the representatives of people in Parliament and state assemblies is shameful and sickening. Often parliamentary and legislative proceedings are obstructed forcibly and the houses are not allowed to function or are boycotted. Let us hope for better sense to prevail and our democracy weathering the storm.
